The Athene Pedestrian Bridge in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a striking fusion of art, nature, and function, connecting Raccoon River Park and Walnut Woods State Park. Spanning 620 feet, including 345 feet of elevated ramps and 1.2 miles of paved trails, the bridge enhances access to the outdoors and fosters community engagement. Designed to preserve the natural beauty of its surroundings, it creates an immersive experience that integrates seamlessly with the landscape.

The bridge features the Raccoon River Plaza, with a 15-foot galvanized steel tree, a windblown leaf-patterned sign, and etched stainless-steel plaques recognizing over 300 donors. An elevated ramp on the south end gracefully descends through trees, leading visitors to the trail system, framed by steel railings and cables. The centerpiece of the bridge is a 16-foot-tall sculptural "tree canopy," crafted from galvanized steel to evoke woodland imagery while providing shade and inviting reflection amid panoramic river views.

The $9.3 million project, including $2.8 million in donations, was the result of a collaborative effort between the City of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation, City Engineering, and the Shive-Hattery team of landscape architects, civil engineers, and graphic designers. The bridge was built to integrate with its environment, minimizing disruption to the mature trees and existing trails. A unique earth berm on the north end ensures easy access, while the elevated ramp on the south side was designed to minimize environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience.

The project's goal extended beyond simply connecting pedestrians to both sides of the river — it sought to do so in a way that honors and preserves the natural beauty of the existing surroundings. Lined with mature trees, vegetation and existing trails in each park, the design team developed an earth berm on the north end to create an accessible trail and stair connection that welcomes pedestrians into the bridge from the City's most popular community parks. On the south side near Walnut Woods State Park, known for its mature woodlands and natural trails, an elevated, winding ramp was carefully designed to minimize environmental impact on the trees while creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors.

The bridge structure went through multiple iterations before the final decision was made to use weathered steel trusses for their aesthetic harmony with other pedestrian bridges in the city. The addition of galvanized steel was a key design choice, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits to the project. Galvanized steel, known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and long lifespan, was thoughtfully incorporated to provide a striking contrast to the heavier look of the weathered steel. This lighter, more reflective metal also enhances the bridge's artistic and architectural elements.

The sculptural tree canopy at the center of the bridge was designed to be both a stunning artistic centerpiece and a testament to thoughtful engineering. Constructed from galvanized steel, the canopy was carefully designed in modular components to accommodate the size restrictions of the galvanizing equipment. By breaking the structure into manageable sections, each piece could be properly galvanized, ensuring long-term protection against corrosion while maintaining its seamless, sculptural appearance. The tree canopy stands out as a light and elegant focal point against the weathered steel trusses, symbolizing the connection between art, nature and the community.

The galvanized guardrails were designed to be as low-profile as possible, featuring a galvanized steel frame with stainless-steel cable infill. This design choice allows the handrails to “disappear” within the bridge frame, minimizing visual clutter and enabling users to focus on the surrounding views of the Raccoon River and the natural landscape.

The bridge's signage integrates both materials beautifully. Galvanized steel, with its structural strength and intricate tree-pattern design, is paired with weathered steel panels featuring a windblown leaf pattern. The main bridge name was crafted with polished stainless-steel letters, while donor recognition was achieved through etched stainless-steel plaques. These elements provide a subtle sheen that draws the eye, celebrating the project's contributors while maintaining a clean and elegant aesthetic.

By integrating galvanized steel throughout the bridge’s artistic and functional components, the design team achieved a thoughtful balance of durability, aesthetics and environmental sensitivity. The modular approach to the tree canopy’s construction demonstrates a smart solution to practical challenges while allowing for a visually stunning and enduring feature. Like the trees it mimics, the canopy is built to last, offering a peaceful space for reflection and connection to nature for generations to come. The bridge’s lasting beauty and strength serve as a tribute to both nature and the community it unites.